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A freshly baked meatloaf, still warm from the oven, with a glistening glaze.

Quick way to grow the perfect 3-layer Meatloaf

This recipe provides a quick and efficient method to create a delicious three-layer meatloaf, perfect for a satisfying meal. It streamlines the preparation process while ensuring a flavorful and well-cooked result.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf Base
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 cup bread crumbs
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 0.5 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Middle Layer
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
Top Layer Glaze
  • 0.5 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Equipment

  • oven
  • loaf pan
  • large bowl
  • small bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan to prepare for baking.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, milk, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper, mixing until just combined but not over-mixed.
Assembling the Layers
  1. Press half of the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan to form the first layer.
  2. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the first meat layer, ensuring even distribution for the middle layer.
  3. Carefully spread the remaining meat mixture over the cheese and bacon, gently pressing it down to create the top layer.
Baking and Glazing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to create the glaze.
  2. Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes, then remove it from the oven and spread the prepared glaze evenly over the top.
  3. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is caramelized.
Resting and Serving
  1. Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.
  2. Slice and serve the meatloaf warm with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the meatloaf mixture. You can also customize the middle layer with different cheeses or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.